“Physical activity really is a wonder drug. It makes you healthier and happier, you live longer.” – Thomas Frieden, Center of Disease Control

If you had told me the advantages of physical activity a couple of months ago, I might have actually brushed you off. Of course I knew it was good for you, but I wasn’t ready to act on it. But after the Undercover Boss episode, I got it – I wanted to change my life around for the better and I knew I had to accept exercise as a way to do this. For me, it meant working out six mornings a week, with John Wardell from Body Chemistry Fitness, who helps train me. I also started a nutritious diet that is designed to support my new healthier lifestyle. Four months later, I have lost 60 lbs. and that’s all thanks to physical activity and better eating habits. I feel better than ever – it’s like I’ve found a new outlook on life.

As great as the benefits of exercise are, I realize that sometimes, trying to stay fit isn’t so easy on your wallet. There’s the cost of gym memberships, exercise classes, equipment, sports activities for your children, etc. Wanting to live a healthier lifestyle shouldn’t have to come at such a high cost to you. That is why Modell’s is supporting the PHIT Act & the PEP program.

The PHIT (or Personal Health Investment Today) Act is an incentive to be more healthy and fit while reducing healthcare costs. This legislation pending in Congress will allow for reimbursement of physical activity expenses (sports leagues fees, health club membership dues, exercise classes, sports and fitness equipment, etc.) using pre-tax dollars. The PHIT Act will encourage healthier lifestyles while also preventing illness related to a lack of physical activity. Modell’s is also supporting the PEP program, a vital federal grant program helping schools keep and rebuild PE programs through the USA. Physical education in schools prepares children to be physically and mentally active, fit and healthy…for life! Both of these initiatives will get America moving and help overcome the obesity crisis we are currently facing.

To help get this bill passed through congress, the Sporting & Fitness Industry Association is launching the 14th annual National Health Through Fitness Day on Wednesday, March 13th. In show of our support and to drive awareness to this great campaign, we will be having a weeklong countdown by showing how other Modell’s associates manage to live a healthy and fit lifestyle. For the past couple of months, I have been sharing with you my entire journey towards a better, healthier me and now I will also share the stories of others. I will be highlighting the story of one associate a day. We hope that by sharing our personal stories, you might walk away with some advice or feel inspired to get moving!

Modell’s encourages everyone to be as physically active as possible and to live a healthy lifestyle. I personally support the PHIT Act and the PEP program because I know first-hand the benefits of such a lifestyle. Because of exercise and diet, I’ve lost weight, reduced my risk for potentially dangerous health conditions, increased my energy, and most importantly, made myself happier.

Whether you take a walk in your neighborhood or run a marathon, we want you to understand how important being active is for not only your present self, but your future self as well. Not only will you look and feel good on the outside, you’ll look and feel good on the inside too – who doesn’t want that?!